CCTV footage has captured the moment more than £240 was swiped from the purse of the owner of a local shop.

Melanie Golding, of Golding Surplus in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, had her purse stolen from the counter while she was working behind the till at 3.30pm on Friday, March 9.

She was not made aware it had been taken until friends of hers from the Salt and Light restaurant nearby entered the shop to return it emptied.

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“They saw someone going through it outside our shop and got it off him, but my £100 cash and debit cards were gone,” the 57-year-old said.

“By the time I got to the bank he had spent more than £140 using the cards at a nearby off-licence.”

The CCTV footage was shared on the Herne Bay Chatter Facebook page.

The alleged thief can be seen swiping the purse from the end of the counter while looking at items in the shop.

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number ZY/010636/18.